CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE NEHAM

Bella's response was curt, but Kate could see the faintest hint of a blush on her cheeks. She teased Bella further. "Come on, Bella, don't play dumb. Kennedy Hughes is a catch! Any woman would kill to have his attention." Bella sighed and rolled her eyes. "Kate, I'm not interested in Kennedy's attention. I have my own goals and ambitions, and I don't need anyone's help to achieve them." Kate raised an eyebrow. "You're not interested in Kennedy? That's hard to believe. He's rich, handsome, and powerful. What more could a woman want?" Bella shrugged. "I don't know, Kate. Maybe someone who respects me for who I am, not just my physical appearance." Kate laughed. "Oh, Bella, you're such a dreamer. Men like Kennedy don't respect women, they possess them. And you're just a possession he's interested in acquiring." Bella's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she didn't respond. She knew Kate was just trying to provoke her, but she couldn't help feeling a twinge of unease. Was Kate right? W